The Festive Season Is Your Big Chance to Sparkle; Fill Gaps in Your Christmas Wardrobe with Our Picks for the Season

Christmas can be a fashion nightmare with more invitations and big occasions packed into a few weeks than you normally get all year.From lunch on the big day to office drinks, get-togethers with friends and even those walk-it-off strolls, our wardrobes are under festive attack.

It might well be the season to be jolly, or so the Christmas song tells us, but perhaps, more importantly, it’s also the time of year to wear an over-the-top party frock and as the shops begin to fill up with sparkly fashions – all fashion thoughts have turned to this year’s party dress.

New Look: Silver Sequin Dress AW17

No matter what your style or size, there’s something out there perfect for you, whether you’re planning a romantic Christmas meal or an all-night New Year’s Eve party.Whether you want to show off a bit of cleavage, flash those slinky pins, or cause a stir in a backless gown, you’ll find the perfect frock on the Irish high street.Take your pick from red hot and sexy looks, cute and girly styles, dazzle in a classically elegant gown or play it safe with that little black number.

Wallis: Velvet Midi Dress AW17

Remember to choose a style that will make you feel your most gorgeous and will accentuate your best features. Pick a dress that works for your body shape. A structured style works perfectly if you want to create some curves or choose a shift or swing dress if your legs are your best asset.

If you opt for a sequin dress, keep the bling to a minimum. One cuff or statement ring and a pair of simple earrings are all you need. For more conservative dresses, amp it up. Silver or pale gold adds a bit of glitz without going over the top. For a high fashion look, try an asymmetric hemline. It will let you show a little more leg without feeling too bare.member to choose a style that will make you feel your most gorgeous and will accentuate your best features. Pick a dress that works for your body shape. A structured style works perfectly if you want to create some curves or choose a shift or swing dress if your legs are your best asset.

If you opt for a sequin dress, keep the bling to a minimum. One cuff or statement ring and a pair of simple earrings are all you need. For more conservative dresses, amp it up. Silver or pale gold adds a bit of glitz without going over the top. For a high fashion look, try an asymmetric hemline. It will let you show a little more leg without feeling too bare.

River Island: Ri Studio Dress AW17

High party heels help calves and ankles look slim. The key is individuality. Stamp your own style on an outfit by mixing pieces from different shops and adding your own accessories, such as scarves. That way you can be sure you won’t turn up in the same get-up as someone else.

Go full-on with…

EDGY EMBELLISHMENT

The shops are starting to fill up with sparkly, shimmery things, which can only mean the party season is about to begin. Starting your hunt now will give you the advantage when it comes to finding the best dress. You’ll have the widest selection to choose from and perhaps a little more time at your disposal.

Oasis: Embroidered cape €68, Embroidered mesh midi dress €190

SEQUINS

If you thought the shiniest of fabrics was the sole preserve of the ballroom queen or cruise ship crooner then think again. Thanks to the likes of Strictly Come Dancing and celebrities such as Cheryl Cole, sequins are making a big comeback this season. These spangly mini-discs are the perfect recession-buster. Packed with frivolity, they bring instant sparkle to any festive gathering, whether you want to sparkle at the office shindig or shimmer at a family dinner.

Where would we girls be without the little black dress? While fashions come and go, the LBD remains as chic as ever. It’s failsafe, it’s faithful, and as Coco Chanel once said, every woman looks fantastic in a little black dress.It was Coco Chanel who designed the first little black dress for Vogue in 1926, and since then it has become a wardrobe perennial that works for every occasion.

The detailing may change, but no designer or high street store worth its salt will go without the LBD. Christmas collections are no exception and this is the time when you can expect things to become a touch more extravagant. Black dresses with sequins or a splash of colour are a simple twist on the classic and Debenhams and Next have great examples.

Folli Follie

JEWELLERY Every girl needs to look fabulous at Christmas! And no party outfit is complete without a sprinkling of rhinestones. Women everywhere know that an amazing pair of glittering earrings or a stunning necklace made with sparkling stones will draw attention.

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but there’s no need to head to Tiffany’s to look and feel like a princess – the high street has enough to make you sparkle and shine, without breaking the bank.Go west to Hollywood with old-school glamour, as seen in vintage jewellery, chandelier earrings and cascading necklaces for the ultimate party look.